Weekend pick: It's cherry blossom time
The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts tomorrow (March 29) and runs through April 13. You can find information on events here. The National Park Service Web site has maps, bloom forecasts and parking information, and you can even use its live "bloom cam" to see footage of the tidal basin before you go.
And you might want to check out our photo gallery of cherry blossoms.
I'm embarrassed to admit that in the 14 years I've lived in Baltimore, I've never made it down to see the cherry blossoms. I, and I'm sure others, would love to know your strategies for taking the family (including your secret parking spaces, of course).
(AP Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Comments
Why do you need a strategy? Just go down and see them. Hop on the Metro and walk around. Also, tomorrow is the Kite Festival which is great. My 7 and 4 year olds will be entering their kites.
Posted by: Woody | March 28, 2008 9:18 AM
I like to put off by the Smithsonian and walk it over.
Posted by: JTK | March 28, 2008 9:58 AM
Don't try to drive into Washington and find a parking place. Either drive to one of the outlying stations, park there, and take the Metro into the city or take the train all the way from Baltimore. A stroller might be bulky, but little legs, like big ones get tired. I'm a tourist grandma who thinks Washington is a wonderful place for kids.. But I really cringe when I see or hear the tired parents being impatient with the even more exhausted kids. For a great place to eat hit the cafe at the American Indian Museum. Good for both children and parents, although not very inexpensive.
Posted by: Mimi | March 29, 2008 1:03 AM
Sometimes we drive down to an outlying station, as Mimi mentioned, and hike in on the Metro for a few dollars. A kid-carrier (a sling, backpack or frontpack) makes the trek a little less cumbersome than bringing a stroller.
"Short and sweet" is our motto for D.C. trips -- get in, get out, get home for a nap.
Posted by: Mary Beth | March 30, 2008 10:45 PM